Tualangs grow mostly in lowland rainforests where they tower over the canopy. Like most tall rainforest trees it has huge buttress roots to support its weight. This is because the majority of the nutrients in rainforest soil are very near the surface, making large spreading roots more effective than deep ones.[4]

Tualangs grow branches above the canopy (around 30 m or 100 ft) and have slippery trunks, which makes them attractive to giant honey bees Apis dorsata who hang their huge combs from the branches. The bees protect the trees from loggers, as the value of the honey is higher than that of the timber.[5] There is also a taboo against felling the tree in parts of Sarawak, and only naturally felled trees (due to storms) are used for timber.[6]